Podcast Updates 10/3

Wrapping up this week's new casts new cast Digital Trek, covering Star Trek both digitally and physically comic book wise, is now out and available. Following that a new Digital Scribbles (Episode 7).

Summer 2013 Day -1 : Start of Summer

Well the summer for me starts after tomorrow, so rotating throughout my blogs will be a daily post related to work going on during the summer as related to each blog in question.

For Comic Addict, and several other blogs, it is watching the box for the last big trade before summer, and the laptop I plan to use to kick start the podcasts back into full production. It is the last trade... and no updates yet. I finished my end but still no updates. Oh well. Hopefully that changes soon. Stay tuned for updates.

Otherwise I am waiting on getting This Old Comic Addict and This Old DC Swag going once again soon. Got LOTS to review, just need to get to reviewing it.

Oh, mini reviews coming soon here, stay tuned.

First Impression : Superman Sunday Classics 1939-1943

It is the 75th Anniversary of Superman so, logically, everyone EXCEPT DC Comics is celebrating it. DC Comics is... trying to make Superman young again...again. But forgetting forgetting DC Comics insecurities with age age we got ourselves a blast from the Golden Age with Superman Sunday Classics 1939-1943 (collecting the color sunday strips which had their own stories seperate from the dailies which are collected in their own book).

Ah. Golden Age Superman, a title that reminds you of a far simpler time when the Man of Steel randomly spawned new powers powers and abilities at random for plot convenience, threatens people and property for effect and randomly killed bad guys without warning. Throwing them into the sky Team Rocket style, letting enemy fire blow them up and what not. Clearly the whole Superman as the world`s biggest boy scout does not originate from the Golden Age.

Presently reviewing it, will have it out soon, but right now I think you will enjoy this if you are a fan of the Golden Age. Stay tuned.

Getting back on track

I have lots to get back on track with, and not just here, I also have a lot of content to work on for the other blogs too... but one step at a time.

Working on acquiring a used laptop for working on the podcasts.

Looking for another reviewing job online while I wait for word from Mr. Pare.

Trying to figure out why I haven't received a issue of my subscription to Supergirl yet.

And of course daily content needs to be worked on. Lots to do so I am off to work on it all. Stay tuned for updates.

That New 52 Smell : First Unpacking Update

That New 52 Smell
The First Unpacking

Six weeks later and the first subscription issue finally arrived. My first review issue... and subsequently I finally had a few questions answered.

- Subscription issues start mailing after six weeks HOWEVER that only means they mail on the week they come out... which may mean it might take extra weeks for some first issues to mail.

- Oh yes, they seemingly come out a month behind. Its April... and I got March's issue.

- And they mail one issue at a time. That's good. Means I dont have to wait two months between reviews... I dont know why I was even worried about that. Really.

So April is going to be a slow month. This episode coming? Superman Issue No 18, featuring fallout from H'el on Earth, the realization the artwork reminds me of manga artwork which reminds me of the time Superman was drawn that way for a time in the 90's as a sales gimmick... and the threat of Hector Hammond, the new 52s worst ever evil bobble headed human... I mean wow! Just look at the size of his head! Sheesh... oh, and that is only the tip of the iceberg in this first ever New 52 Superman review.

After that? Waiting on Supergirl to come in. Hopefully not too long of a wait.

May is a little busier. Besides the second issues of Supergirl and Superman we also get the first issues of Action Comics and Teen Titans, doubling the monthly reviews to four.

For all intents and purposes it looks like a major trade will be resolved. So that means June and probably July will see the last of the first year content rolling in, setting the pace of the series in 2013 to 2014..

It took awhile, but we are finally ready to get That New 52 Smell rolling full speed ahead. And that can only be a good thing.

So how will we close up the first year of content? Good question... I am still fudging abit on the end admittedly. That is still abit up in the air.

Wonder Woman is still on the list most certainly, that is scheduled, but how to end? Hmm... I was thinking of several possible scenarios... my mind is basically stuck at this point, at a indecision moment, and while there is a bit of time left to resolve it... that time is running out so... what to end with. That I will save for an upcoming update.

So right now we will focus on upcoming episodes.

- Supergirl episode
While I am hoping that we will see the first issue arrive today (April 20th)... it might not. So first issue coverage coming soon.

There is also the digital content, but that is a topic of another update... stay tuned.

Podcast Update April 2nd 2013

All new casts are up and available! New OMGComics (Easter Edition), new That New 52 Smell (update on subscriptions) and new This Old Comic Addict (first unboxing two parter).

New stuff on the way, stay tuned!

This Old DC Swag Episode 2 Now Available

Since I was on a roll I cranked out another episode of This Old DC Swag. Today we talk about Star Trek #3-#4 (the wrap up of the Klingon Federation conflict) and talk abit of Batman (part 1 of 2, next episode we'll talk the bonus content like a preview of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe 80's Edition and a back-up Robin I story!

That New 52 Smell Episode Zero now available

That New 52 Smell Episode Zero is now out and available! Four more episodes left to The New 52 Adventures of Superman and already I am launching That New 62 Smell... go figure.

Introduction statement, DC Comics and me public relations wise, Orson Scott Card controversy with Adventures of Superman... and for context? Another DC Comics character with issues Orson Scott Card can relate to, mainly Corrigan aka The Spectre and his long lamenting over his stance on the topic from the mid 90's! Check it out as I review the issue in question!

New episode in two weeks with hopefully our first New 62 DC review... and a very Spectre Christmas!

TOCA Journal 1 : That Unboxing Episodes

TOCA Journal - Waiting for Something Man

These days alot of my podcasts seems to rotate around the concept of... waiting.

And not just That New 52 Smell either in terms of subscriptions made or in negotiation. I also mean waiting for trades for This Old Comic Addict, or even This Old DC Swag... and even for Pocket Gamer.

Yup. Waiting to exhale, and do unboxing episodes, is universal. Boring and universal.

The longest wait is for two boxes sent for a giant trade. The unboxing of these two? Most definitely an episode of This Old Comic Addict will revolve around the unboxing. But really. It was sent via ground, and the longest part is the long ship trip between California and Hawaii... still it is almost here, so recording shortly.

Another trade, another opening episode for This Old Comic Addict. Not nearly quite as massive as what I am expecting in the first trade, yes, but still vitally important. This trade will provide fresh review content for my RKYV reviews, being fresher stuff. Timing wise this will probably arrive on a weekend I usually record an episode of This Old Comic Addict so that works out well for me.

But moving things is not just for This Old Comic Addict. Skipped a week of Waiting To Recharge over at http://www.rpgunite.blogspot.com  because I didnt have much to report on... this week I should have abit to say in that regard.

Finishing a trade for subscriptions for That New 52 Smell... still hoping for a positive outcome. Stay tuned.

So... anything else? Nothing to report on for now, but all of this does bring up the topic of unboxing episodes... who gets them.

Top of the list is This Old Comic Addict, and This Old DC Swag, two series that dig into the past is full of potential for unboxing episodes now and then.

I thought we would do more unboxing for a newer cast not That New 52 Smell... maybe we still could do that. Once I am of a higher level as a reviewer.

Finally less unboxing and more unveiling everytime a new subscription issue arrives. Something that will become more and more commonplace as the review titles all fall into place one by one. Still I wonder if, over time, we might not also see a more traditional unboxing of review content over time, and the advent of donations or... heaven forbid... finally meeting DC Comics criteria as a reviewer worthy of access.

Hmm... I think I will keep track every weekend of incoming trades and potential donations for unboxing episodes... starting next week. So stay tuned!

Daily News : IDW Edition

Transformers : Monstrosity is here in digital comic format!

Have you some cut and paste about this new Transformers series you can check out from your favorite source for digital comics (which mine used to be the PlayStation Store... before they killed it outright and stopped doing it altogether... thanks Sony... now gimme the money you owe me for all the stuff I purchased that you killed!)

"Hot on the heels of TRANSFORMERS: AUTOCRACY, IDW Publishing is pleased to bring fans of the fierce Cybertronians a sequel with TRANSFORMERS: MONSTROSITY! The twelve-chapter, digital-first series, from the veteran creative team of writers Chris Metzen and Flint Dille and interior and cover artist Livio Ramondelli, is packed with the explosive robot action that made the first series a roaring critical, commercial, and fan success.

Taking place in the early days of the legendary War for Cybertron, MONSTROSITY tells the story of two battle-hardened commanders: OPTIMUS PRIME of the virtuous AUTOBOTS, and MEGATRON of the villainous DECEPTICONS. Tensions are high as both sides carve out their next stands in the battle for Cybertronian supremacy. Which side will gain the edge? Whose resolve will crumble? And what terrible secrets lay in store for our embattled heroes?

“MEGATRON’S been betrayed,” says editor John Barber, “and he finds himself starting a quest that takes him to some very familiar places—but thanks to Chris, Flint, and Livio, the familiar is made new again! And while MEGATRON is rebuilding his life, GRIMLOCK is butting heads with OPTIMUS PRIME, and leading his renegade DINOBOTS away from the darkest secret of their lives.”

There’s only one way to answer all these questions and more, and that’s by picking up TRANSFORMERS: MONSTROSITY #1 via the Transformers Comics and IDW Comics apps, Comics by comiXology, the iBookstore, or online at read.idwpublishing.com."

New Podcasts now available

Two new podcasts are now out and available.

This Old Comic Addict Episode 1
Coverage of comics 80's, 90's and early 2000's are covered This episode it's the start of coverage of Malibu's less successful super hero line, the Protectors' era, starting with Protectors #1-#2, The Ferret One Shot and Arrow One Shot.

Next Episode - The other part of Malibu's heroes, the Ultraverse first episode coverage.

This Old DC Swag Episode 1
Same as This Old Comic Addict, focused on DC. This episode I begin covering DC's first run of Star Trek (in the 80's) with Star Trek #1-#2 (and the many reasons why you should be reading this if you haven't yet)

More stuff (including the launch of That New 52 Smell) coming soon, stay tuned!

Daily News IDW Edition

IDW Teams Up With Cartoon Network!... yay?

Well... somebody had to, really, they are not going to be making new friends over at DC Comics (the last company to publish their stuff) with axing Young Justice and Green Lantern so, well, there you go. And yes, I doubt this was the reason why they did that lest they would have completely cancelled DC Nation and said this Fall it's... I don't know... IDW Kids on DC Nation's old time slot or something. I still think it's content that killed it but we'll see. Anyway... here's some cut and paste, enjoy!

"IDW Publishing and Cartoon Network Enterprises today announced that the two companies have forged a partnership to produce and release comics based on many of the network’s popular and iconic classic characters!

“Many of these Cartoon Network shows have only grown in popularity since they originally aired,” said Chris Ryall, IDW’s Chief Creative Officer/Editor-in-Chief, “and we’re excited to be able to offer new iterations of the characters in comic-book form alongside both our planned reprint material and also some new animated ventures Cartoon Network has planned, too. There’s a wealth of fun properties to play with here, and we’ve already got some unique things in mind for them.”

Beginning in 2013, fans can look forward to seeing the returns of beloved characters from classic Cartoon Network shows including THE POWERPUFF GIRLS, BEN 10, DEXTER'S LABORATORY, SAMURAI JACK, JOHNNY BRAVO, GENERATOR REX, and many more.

Not only will IDW be teaming with high-caliber creators from the world of comics to publish new adventures featuring tons of Cartoon Network’s characters, but fans can also look forward to a variety of reprints of previous incarnations of Cartoon Network comics.

“We are excited to partner with IDW to bring some of our most beloved and iconic brands and characters to life for fans of all ages,” said Pete Yoder, Vice President of Consumer Products, North America for Cartoon Network Enterprises. “It will be a great opportunity to revisit and expand many of these great stories told in comic-book form, and we’re excited to see what the creative team at IDW comes up with.”

While details have yet to be announced on the specific titles and creative teams, IDW and Cartoon Network are  thrilled to be heading into 2013 with this new partnership and great new comics hitting comic shops soon!"

Hmph. My sister has a full collection of Powerpuff Girls and Dexter's Lab from the old DC Comics era, so Cartoon Network is... hmm... reaching hard here to make a buck. Still I guess we can give it a chance. Stay tuned for updates here eh?

Daily News : Valiant Edition

Daily News : Valiant Edition
And then came... Doctor Mirage!

Well it looks like we are finally up to date as word comes of the first appearance in the modern era Valiant of Doctor Mirage. I have to admit I kinda missed Doctor Mirage's appearance in the 90's era Valiant so this will all be rather new to me... so here you go, take this cut and paste!

"The Associated Press today announced that Dr. Mirage, Valiant's preeminent psychic investigator and supernatural hero, will debut this Wednesday in Shadowman #5 in a new incarnation created by writer Justin Jordan and co-writer/artist Patrick Zircher.

In this new iteration, Dr. Mirage is the stage name of Shan Fong, a one-time television investigator of paranormal phenomena whose unique abilities make her an invaluable asset to police departments around the world. During the upcoming "Darque Reckoning" storyline – beginning on March 6th in Shadowman #5 – Fong steps into the world of Jack Boniface and the Shadowman after discovering that no matter where she goes, the dead only have one thing to say: "Master Darque is coming."

"Since the Summer of Valiant, we've been slowly building towards several key events. You can see the first of these events this April in Harbinger Wars, where Bloodshot and Harbinger collide," Valiant CEO and Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani told the AP. "The return of Dr. Mirage is part of that plan — part of setting the stage. Dr. Mirage is a key piece in the future of the Valiant Universe and the timing of the return, as well as the manner, is no accident."

For more information on Shadowman, X-O Manowar, and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Twitter, on Facebook, or at ValiantUniverse.com.

SHADOWMAN #5 - ON SALE MARCH 6th!
Written by JUSTIN JORDAN & PATRICK ZIRCHER
Art by PATRICK ZIRCHER, LEE GARBETT, & ROBERTO DE LA TORRE
Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (JAN131302)
"Blackout" Pullbox Exclusive Variant by PATRICK ZIRCHER (JAN131303)
Variant Cover by DAVE JOHNSON (JAN131304)
Linewide Variant by RAFAEL GRAMPA (JAN131305)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs."

Daily News : IDW Edition

Daily News : IDW Edition
Eternal Descent Returns with Graphic Novel Volume 2

Have you some cut and paste!

"Continuing to explore the unholy alliance that has long existed between the worlds of heavy metal and fantasy comics, multi-media phenomenon ETERNAL DESCENT returns with the second volume of the much-heralded comic saga!

An ETERNAL DESCENT VOLUME 2 trailer is now online: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Jg944LA1Is

Collecting six single issues, an exclusive ‘Cobalt’ one-shot, and extensive art galleries into a 200-page graphic novel set for release in March 2013 by IDW Publishing and available for preorder worldwide, ETERNAL DESCENT VOLUME 2 immerses fans in a dark fantasy world where demons and angels battle for supremacy alongside some of the biggest names in metal, including Arch Enemy, Firewind, Periphery, and Joe Satriani!

With the fallen Sirian consigned to his fate and Lyra consumed by her inner demons, Loki’s designs draw ever closer to their terrible conclusion. As the conflict rips into the fabric of time, Gus G. returns with an unlikely guide, offering a glimmer of hope for our heroes… The disturbance reaches far across the universe and heralds the arrival of Joe Satriani, The Extremist, whose incredible energies bring balance to the cosmos, but leave our world consumed by Khaos magic. Michael Amott lies at the heart of this volatile new reality, empowered by mysterious amber artifacts and rivaled only by Misha Mansoor, a time-traveling wanderer wielding unparalleled technology! With lives lost, heroes reborn, and darkness rising, don’t miss the climactic resolution to  ETERNAL DESCENT VOLUME 2!

The brainchild of British guitarist and comic creator Llexi Leon, who has teamed with American animation veteran Shaun McLaughlin and DC Comics writer Justin Peniston to bring his unique artistic vision to fruition, Eternal Descent is set in a fantasy universe where lost souls lurk in every shadow, and darkness veils sinister designs. Heavy metal could be the key to salvation… or the gateway to destruction!

Offering comics, graphic novels, animated shorts, limited edition ESP guitars, a signature Digitech ­effects pedal and an upcoming video game to keep fans occupied, Eternal Descent is fast becoming an international phenomenon.

Set to become a 21st century cult classic, fans of comics and heavy metal alike will be staggered in the scale of Eternal Descent’s ambitions and the second volume of the cult comic series promises to plunge readers even more deeply into the graphic novel’s dark, multi-faceted world."

Daily News Valiant Edition

There you go! I thought I would never hear again of affordable $10 softcover TPBs... but here it is! Enjoy some cut and paste while I plan my purchasing future.

"
Valiant is proud to announce that the Shadowman Vol. 1: Birth Rites trade paperback collection will debut on April 24th at just $9.99!

Previously solicited at $14.99, the Shadowman Vol. 1: Birth Rites TPB collects the first four issues of Valiant's best-selling Shadowman series by acclaimed creators Justin Jordan (The Strange Talent of Luther Strode) and Patrick Zircher (Captain America) and joins the rest of Valiant's volume one collections at the special introductory price of $9.99.

"Both fans and retailers have had an enthusiastic response to our $9.99 trade paperback releases. At this stage, one of Valiant's top priorities is to ensure that our titles are available to as many new readers as possible. Introducing the premiere volumes of our ongoing titles at $9.99 is an easy way to do just that," said Valiant Publisher Fred Pierce. "If you've been waiting to discover Valiant, or simply missed your chance to jump on board Shadowman, or Harbinger or any other Valiant series, each and every first volume in our line of trade paperbacks will be right there waiting for you for less than ten bucks."

There are a million dreams in the Big Easy. But now its worst nightmare is about to come true. As the forces of darkness prepare to claim New Orleans as their own, Jack Boniface must embrace the legacy he was born to uphold. As Shadowman, Jack is about to become the only thing that stands between his city and an army of unspeakable monstrosities from beyond the night. But is the mantle of Shadowman a blessing or a curse? And what is the true cost of his otherworldly power?

Start reading here to the witness the rise of New Orleans' next nocturnal protector as Shadowman meets the forces of the Deadside head-on and makes an indelible impression on the Valiant Universe. And don't miss the other introductory volumes in Valiant's line of specially priced $9.99 trade paperback collections – X-O Manowar Vol. 1: By The Sword TPB, Harbinger: Vol. 1: Omega Rising TPB, Bloodshot Vol. 1: Setting the World on Fire TPB, Archer & Armstrong Vol. 1: The Michelangelo Code TPB – available in finer comics shops everywhere!

For more information on Shadowman, X-O Manowar, and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Twitter, on Facebook, or at ValiantUniverse.com.

SHADOWMAN VOL. 1: BIRTH RITES TPB (FEB131168)
Written by JUSTIN JORDAN & PATRICK ZIRCHER
Art & Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER
$9.99/Rated T+/112 pgs.
ISBN: 978-1-939346-00-1
Collecting SHADOWMAN #1-4
ON SALE 4/24/13 (FOC - 4/1/13)

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG VOL. 1: THE MICHELANGELO CODE TPB (JAN131309)
Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art by CLAYTON HENRY
Cover by MICO SUAYAN
$9.99/Rated T+/112 pgs.
Collecting ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #1-4
ISBN: 978-0-9796409-8-8
ON SALE 3/6/13

BLOODSHOT VOL. 1: SETTING THE WORLD ON FIRE TPB (DEC121274)
Written by DUANE SWIERCZYNSKI
Art by MANUEL GARCIA & ARTURO LOZZI
Cover by ARTURO LOZZI
$9.99/Rated T+/112 pgs.
Collecting BLOODSHOT #1-4
ISBN: 978-0-9796409-6-4
ON SALE NOW!

HARBINGER VOL. 1: OMEGA RISING TPB (NOV121345)
Written by JOSHUA DYSART
Art by KHARI EVANS & LEWIS LAROSA
Cover by ARTURO LOZZI
$9.99/Rated T+/128 pgs.
Collecting HARBINGER #1-5
ISBN: 978-0-979-6409-5-7
ON SALE NOW!

X-O MANOWAR VOL. 1: BY THE SWORD TPB (OCT121241)
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by CARY NORD
Cover by ESAD RIBIC
$9.99/Rated T+/112 pgs.
Collecting X-O MANOWAR #1-4
ISBN: 978-0-97964094-0-5
ON SALE NOW!"

Daily News IDW Edition

Daily News IDW Edition
We're Off To Kill Shakespeare... Again...

No really IDW, I really am not that ticked about multiple iterations of Hamlet that I want to see Shakespeare dead... even if one version was with Mel Gibson... but it seems IDW has a publishing skull of Yorick to grind out against the guy as they're rolling out another mini covering the whole Kill Shakespeare (aka the Kill Bill inspired thing with public domain characters) with this newest iteration... here, have ye the cut and paste-eth while I tell Yorick he needs to hit L&L and pack on some weight... he's so skinny.

"Spurred by the demand of fans from the worlds of comics, theatre and academia, IDW Publishing is proud to announce the return of the acclaimed comic series Kill Shakespeare with the release of KILL SHAKESPEARE: THE TIDE OF BLOOD #1. The new five-issue run, with the original creative team of co-writers Conor McCreery and Anthony Del Col and artist Andy Belanger returning, debuts on February 20th, 2013 in comic book stores across the United States, Canada, and overseas.

Called “gripping, violent and dark fun,” by The New York Times, the original 12-issue series was nominated for a Harvey Award for Best New Series and Joe Shuster Awards for Best Comic Writing. In the new adventure Shakespeare’s greatest heroes (Hamlet, Juliet, Romeo, Othello, Miranda) embark on a journey to a forbidden island to save the world from the deranged “master of books”, Prospero. The island is filled with cannibals, magic and madness – as well as ghosts from the pasts of many characters.

“It’s a dream come true to continue to tell stories in the Kill Shakespeare universe,” said McCreery. “We have such a vast and deep sandbox of characters to play with from Shakespeare and our fans constantly let us know which ones they want to see next. The entire fan response has been overwhelming.”

The series has built a strong following not only in the comic book community but also academia (where numerous scholars have analyzed the creators’ take on Shakespeare) and the theatre world. Shortly after the release of THE TIDE OF BLOOD #1, Chicago’s Strawdog Theatre will be mounting the first multi-week run of Kill Shakespeare: The Live Graphic Novel from March 4-24th, 2013. The show, which combines images from the comic series with live acting, music and sound effects, was produced by a number of theatre companies in 2012 and named the top theatrical experience of the year in Halifax by The Coast.

"I had an awesome time working on the first two volumes of Kill Shakespeare," said series editor Tom Waltz. "Tickling both my literary and action-adventure fancies, Conor, Anthony, and Andy have most definitely given me one of the most satisfying and unique experiences I've had as an editor at IDW Publishing. And, just as the first go-round proved it's hard to kill Shakespeare, well, it's hard to kill a fantastic story concept, too, and I truly believe the best is yet to come from the Kill Shakespeare crew!""

So remember, Kill Shakespeare : Tide of Blood is coming soon... get thee to thy comic shop and tell thy retailer to order an inch thick, this issue he must... then make him laugh by telling him how paranoid the WB is about making super hero movies.

Daily News Valiant Edition

Master Darque (remember him?) is in Shadowman #5... and the issues before that if I remember my Only The Valiant reviews right... anyway have you some of that cut and paste stuff.

"Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of Shadowman #5 – the FIRST ISSUE of an all-new arc by acclaimed creators Justin Jordan and Patrick Zircher with Lee Garbett (X-O Manowar) and Roberto De La Torre (Age of Apocalypse)! Start reading here as the new Shadowman dives headlong into the dark side of the Valiant Universe – only to find himself caught in the crossfire of a demonic turf war engineered by the unspeakable evil of Master Darque!

Jack Boniface has just been to Hell and back. After surviving the horrors of the Deadside, Jack is taking his new abilities to the limit and discovering more about the legacy of the Shadowman with each passing night. But what if he wasn’t the only thing that managed to escape back to Earth? Something dark has arrived in New Orleans, leaving death and madness in its black wake. What’s more, the city’s deadliest cartel assassin is after Jack, and he refuses to die – literally!

Be here on March 6th as Valiant's best-selling hero begins a brand new chapter in Shadowman #5 – the perfect entry point into the series that Comic Vine says "delivers on every level."

For more information on Shadowman, X-O Manowar, and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Twitter, on Facebook, or at ValiantUniverse.com.

SHADOWMAN #5 - ON SALE MARCH 6th!
Written by JUSTIN JORDAN & PATRICK ZIRCHER
Art by PATRICK ZIRCHER, LEE GARBETT, & ROBERTO DE LA TORRE
Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER (JAN131302)
"Blackout" Pullbox Exclusive Variant by PATRICK ZIRCHER (JAN131303)
Variant Cover by DAVE JOHNSON (JAN131304)
Linewide Variant by RAFAEL GRAMPA (JAN131305)
$3.99/T+/32 pgs."

It should be out this coming week so run on down to the shop and get yourself a copy! I plan to... once I am all caught up and to date on Valiant reviewing.

Daily News IDW Edition

Today's news is abit short but nice all in all. Check it out!

Dateline February 15th 2013
Location : San Diego, CA
Publisher : IDW
Subject : Machine Witches Hardcover

"Having taken the comic book and toy industries by storm, it was only a matter of time until acclaimed artist, designer, and enfant terrible Ashley Wood* snuck his talents into the hallowed walls of one of the world’s foremost fine art galleries.

This past fall, the lauded Jonathan LeVine Gallery in New York City hosted Ash’s first fine art show: Machine Sabbath. This May, IDW Publishing is proud to present MACHINE WITCHES, a brand-new retrospective of that very same sold-out show.

The oversized hardcover MACHINE WITCHES book documents the slew of gorgeously expressive paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculptures exhibited during the show, but also comes loaded with unseen paintings, sketches, and a brand-new interview with Ash.

“Ashley Wood has gone legit! I never thought I’d see the day…” said Chris Ryall, IDW’s Chief Creative Officer and Editor-in-Chief. “…but I’m glad I did. It’s about time the fine art world recognized what we’ve all known for years, and now it’s nice to be able to show everyone what Ash has wrought outside of that stuffy gallery setting.”

This May, you might believe your eyes, but you’ll probably still be a little suspicious.

*Ashley Wood had nothing to do with this description.

MACHINE WITCHES (HC, FC, $14.99, 48 pages, 12” x 12”). In stores 5/29/13
ISBN: 978-1-61377-696-4"

Seriously? A $15 book with a page count of a title a third it's length? Well... why I always go for softcover myself but if your a fan of Hardcover well here you go. Enjoy!

Daily News : Valiant Edition

Let's see, so far we have a IDW and a Valiant Edition of the news... but of course if I am popping up a DC cast I will begin gathering DC news soon, so stay tuned. In the meantime have some cut and paste about X-O Manowar #10 and the coming Planet Death storyarc!

"Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of X-O Manowar #10 by superstar creators Robert Venditti and Trevor Hairsine! Planet Death looms! A new X-O Manowar rises! And nothing can stop what’s coming. The battle-worn road toward the most ambitious X-O Manowar event ever kicks off right here in Prelude to Planet Death — Part 2 (of 2)!

With the Vine invasion fleet waiting in orbit, Aric of Dacia is forced into the one battle he never wanted, against the strongest, most horrifying opponent he’s ever faced. This adversary doesn’t want the X-O Manowar armor. It doesn’t want Earth. It only wants Aric — dead. The winner will hold the fate of everyone, human and Vine, in the palm of his hand. Because before this fight is over, the armor will reveal that it wields far more destructive potential than anyone could have possibly imagined.

Be here on February 20th as Robert Venditti and Trevor Hairsine conclude the introduction to Planet Death, the epic storyline a year in the making, only in X-O Manowar #10!

And be back in 30 days for the explosive FIRST ISSUE of Planet Death in X-O Manowar #11, featuring the return of Eisner Award-winning artist Cary Nord!

To keep up with the next great happenings for X-O Manowar and the rest of the Valiant Universe, visit Valiant on Twitter, on Facebook, or at ValiantUniverse.com.

Prelude to Planet Death – Part 2 (of 2):
X-O MANOWAR #10 – ON SALE FEBRUARY 20th!
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art & Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE (DEC121266)
Variant Cover by CARY NORD (DEC121267)
$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

Planet Death – Part 1 (of 4):
X-O MANOWAR #11 – ON SALE MARCH 20th!
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by CARY NORD
Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN (JAN131298)
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by CARY NORD (JAN131299)
Variant Cover by PAOLO RIVERA (JAN131300)
Wraparound Variant by BART SEARS (JAN131301)
$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

Planet Death – Part 2 (of 4):
X-O MANOWAR #12 – ON SALE APRIL 17th!
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by CARY NORD
Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC (FEB131162)
Variant Cover by JUAN DOE (FEB131163)
$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.

Planet Death - Part 3 (of 4)
X-O MANOWAR #13 – ON SALE MAY 15th!
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by CARY NORD
Cover by TREVOR HAIRSINE (MAR131330)
Variant Cover by RYAN SOOK (MAR131331)
$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs."

Once I get going on reviewing Valiant we'll be checking this out so stay tuned! And yes, more news coming up!

Book Em' Danno : Darkhold #1-#2

Book Em Danno!

Darkhold #1-#2
Publisher : MARVEL (1992)
Writer : Christian Cooper
Pencils : Richard Case
Inks : Mark McKenna
Colors : Glynis Oliver
Letters : Phil Felix
Editor : Bobbie Chase
Managing Editor : Kelly Corvese
Editor in Chief : Tom Defalco

With word of an upcoming Dr. Strange movie somewhere in 2016 or 17 you might think now would be a good time to roll out a dark supernatural chain of MARVEL movies! The leap of logic here isnt a big one, I assure you. You just have to completely ignore the first two underwhelming Nicolas Cage Ghost Rider movies, as well as the fact you cant use both Ghost Rider and Johnny Blaze in a Ghost Rider and Spirits of Vengeance movie series as long as Fox has the movie rights.

Who has the rights to Blade? By now it should be MARVEL again, right?

Well we're talking Midnight Sons, a rather short lived nitche of the MARVEL Universe dedicated to the Supernatural. Prior to the crossover event we had the 2nd ongoing Ghost Rider but once it launched we had new titles. Titles like Spirits of Vengeance, featuring Johnny Blaze teaming up with the newest Ghost Rider in his second title.

We had Spider-Man villain Morbius the Living Vampire get his own title. Years before tragic mistakes in fiction like The Glittery Vampire Quadrilogy aka Twilight would scar Morbius' modern release.

We had Nightstalkers. A title revolves about the popularity of one character, Wesley Snipe's Blade.

And of course X-Files knockoff Darkhold.

OK, as Issue One starts its Part 4 of the Rise crossover. We just met Morbius, and Nightstalkers premiere next time... so lets see if I can say this with without laughing.

A midget in a tux not related to the guy who runs WildC.A.T.s (Image in this decade) is wandering the country playing matchmaker. However he is not so much trying to find love as he is matching severely stereotypical Friday the 13th the TV Series character types with pages of the Darkhold. Enter one Vicki Montesi, who rather clichely finds herself drawn into a blatently ripped off plot stolen from same Friday the 13th the TV Series after her best friend is horribly injured in a bomb blast meant to kill our lead character.

And so haunted with also cliche visions of Issue one's baddie she must hunt the pages of the Darkhold and stop whatever curse they carry and whoever uses the... no really could this be anymore of a Friday the 13th TV ripoff?!? Come on!

Do I need to go on? This series didnt make it past 25 Issues! Guess why!

A series that could have been far better, this is a sad sad shallow wading pool of been there, done that, could have should have wasnt isnt. Even when a story has an original notion (Issue Two and its ties to the Hulk) they never really run with it and make said ideas work for them. If the title was better thought out? It could have been a hit. As it stands its 1 out of 5 overdue fines on Mephisto's library card.

Next - Updates.